The Walt Disney Company has announced a long awaited leadership transition, naming Josh D’Amaro as its next chief executive officer. D’Amaro, who currently leads Disney’s parks and experiences division, will succeed Bob Iger next month, bringing an end to years of speculation over the company’s succession plan.
Leadership Transition Confirmed
Disney said D’Amaro, 54, will officially assume the CEO role on March 18, following the company’s annual shareholder meeting. Iger, 74, will remain with the company as a senior adviser and board member until the end of his contract on December 31. The board described the timing as deliberate, citing confidence in the leadership bench developed under Iger.
D’Amaro’s Rise Through Disney
D’Amaro has overseen Disney Experiences since 2020, leading the company’s theme parks, resorts, and cruise operations. His appointment underscores the growing strategic importance of in person experiences, which have become one of Disney’s most profitable and resilient businesses.
He is the second parks leader to rise to the CEO role, following Bob Chapek. Chapek’s short tenure as chief executive ended with Iger’s return in 2022, a period marked by internal tensions that placed additional scrutiny on the current succession process.
Board and Iger Endorsement
Iger praised D’Amaro as an exceptional leader with a strong understanding of the Disney brand and the operational discipline required to deliver complex projects. He highlighted D’Amaro’s ability to balance creativity with execution, calling the transition a positive moment for the company.
Disney chairman James Gorman said the board believed the company was ready for a smooth handover, noting that Iger felt the leadership talent was in place and that an earlier transition was preferable.
Dana Walden’s Expanded Role
Dana Walden, who leads Disney’s television and streaming operations, will become president and chief creative officer. The company described the position as a historic first. Reporting to D’Amaro, Walden will oversee storytelling and creative direction across all platforms, ensuring alignment with Disney’s brand and business goals.
Parks as a Strategic Pillar
D’Amaro’s promotion highlights the central role of parks and cruises in Disney’s future. The company is investing tens of billions of dollars in park expansions and new cruise ships, betting on sustained demand for immersive experiences. D’Amaro recently joined Iger on a tour of Disney’s planned resort development in Abu Dhabi, its first new theme park in 15 years.
Conclusion
The appointment of Josh D’Amaro marks a pivotal moment for Disney as it moves beyond a turbulent leadership chapter. With parks and experiences at the core of its growth strategy and a new executive structure in place, the company is positioning itself for stability and long term expansion under its next generation of leadership.
